For either route, you need to be in excellent physical condition, and able to move quickly over rough and exposed terrain. On summit day you can expect a 12 hour day.
Mt Kenya is an extinct volcano with jagged peaks rising to 5,199m/17,057ft. It has three main peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana Peak. Batian and Nelion are permanently iced with snow and small glaciers, and home to an array of technical alpine climbs.
We offer technical guided ascents on the high peaks of Batian or Nelion as well as an accompanying trek for non-climbing friends and family on Lenana Peak.
Located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150km/95 miles north-northeast of Nairobi, Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano with jagged peaks rising to 5,199m/17,057ft.
The peaks deliver lively contrast to the equatorial terrain on the approach. To take advantage of conditions, we suggest climbing Batian from June to September and Nelion between December and March, with departures being arranged to suit your itinerary. An accompanying trek is available for non-climbing friends and family to the neighbouring Lenana Peak as part of your departures.
The journey through the forest and moorland is for many the highlight of our Mount Kenya Private Expeditions. Here you will be intrigued by the exotic equatorial flora and transition zones from wetland to heather and alpine zones. We intentionally traverse the National Park on our trek to and away from the mountain, to ensure new terrain each day with the ascent of Mount Kenya being the geographical highlight in the middle of the journey.
This expedition features a smorgasbord of African culture and scenery, providing a fabulous excuse to visit this wild continent.
- Second highest peak in Africa
- An exciting pre-climb to Mount Kilimanjaro or an adventure on its own
- Features a smorgasbord of African culture and scenery
Climbing Ability
Climbing Ability
Advanced
Elevation
Elevation
5,199m/17,057ft
Duration
Duration
10 days
Location
Location
Kenya
Arrive in Nairobi. Transfer to hotel
Drive to Naro Moru, overnight hotel
Drive through Chogoria National Park Gate, 2-hour trek to Meru Bandas 2,950m/9,680ft |
Trek to Lake Ellis 3,600m/11,880ft, camp
Trek to Mintos Camp 4,200m/13,860ft |
Lenana Peak Summit Day 4,985m/16,355ft, overnight Austrian Hut 4,700m/15,400ft |
Nelion Peak Summit Day 5,188m/17,020m, descend to Austrian Hut |
Contingency day, overnight Austrian Hut
Descend to Met Station Hut 3,000m/9,850ft |
Descend to Naru Moru Gate, return to Nairobi. Mount Kenya expedition ends, or continue to Kilimanjaro expedition
Departures and Pricing
Looking to continue your trip? Add on an ascent of Kilimanjaro
PREPARE
Prospective Batian Peak climbers need to be competent following at Grade 5.9, with experience of long technical climbs at least 10 pitches in length. Nelion is slightly easier, with a maximum grade of 5.7, but is still a long and technical route.
Climbers will benefit from experience trekking or climbing above 5000m. This will allow you to understand how your body responds to altitude before attempting this technical climb.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition Leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
The Mount Kenya Expedition fee, ex Nairobi, is inclusive and covers the following:
- Adventure Consultants mountain guide
- All expedition organisational requirements
- Airport transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to the hotel, when arriving/departing on scheduled arrival date
- Hotel in Nairobi within expedition dates, based on shared rooms (single room supplement available for extra fee) including dinner and breakfast
- All lodging and food while on the trek/climb
- Group climbing equipment, food, tents and fuel in Kenya region
- Transport to and from the National Park
- Porters, drivers, park fees and climbing permits